Make sure your being safe.

Welcome,

 

Health and safety , I don't think it needs to be said that this is very important. So, with that being said. I will try and keep this as basic and brief as possible.

 

Fire extinguisher & Open flames:

Tho, your burning pen shouldn't have an open flame and those also using a blowtorch. I would heavy suggest having a Fire Extinguisher. Speaking from experience, if you have an open flame or your work catches fire. It can easily get out of hand if not dealt with correctly.

Better to safe then sorry, so just a having a small Fire Extinguisher.

 

Burning the WRONG "woods":

As said in the "Choosing the right wood" blog, anything with glue or chemicals to make it. Should NEVER be used. Your MDF, Plywood and Particle Board. NEVER use these for burning on or with.

Due to the chemicals and glue use to make them. Means that when you burn into them, the fumes/smoke that is produced will be filled with harmful chemicals. That will cause long term health problems.

Long story short: 

Natural wood good.  Manmade wood bad

Wearing a mask:

Even when using the correct type of wood, you will still produce smoke. That could cause irritation/ damage to your lungs. By wearing a with Active Carbon Filters, prevent any health risks from accruing.

It's doesn't have to be a full face, just something to cover your nose and mouth while you burn. 

The correct desk space:

By no means am I saying go buy a fancy tilting desk. All I am saying is, make sure you have enough space to have all your equipment out and enough space to move away from your work, should something go wrong.

If you feel comfortable and are able to work, then all I say is. Can you easily move/ get away quickly should a nib/tip drop off the pen?

 (Just an example, this should never happen but if it did)

For many years I would set up on the dining table. Then move everything every time we needed the table, But I had enough space to have everything I needed out. Meaning that should anything happen I could step back and deal with anything that could happen.

Gloves:

Not an essential, but for those with solid nibs in particular. Always good to have them to hand. As solid nibs can get very warm very quickly. But in general you may find the heat from any pen, blowtorch or even the wood your burning can get a bit much. So having a pair of gloves to hand, not a bad idea.

I don't think there was much that I haven't already said in other blogs, But having all the information in one spot would be easier to find. If there is anything you think I am missing or you want to know more, Please feel free to get in contact,.

Cheers.